Abstract
Ensuring that a child's own wishes and feelings are taken into account in the planning and review process is not an option for schools. It is a duty. Of course, it is something we all respect and agree with, but actually putting it into practice for children with disabilities can challenge even the most skilled teacher.
This workshop will look at the use of The Children's Society's recently published "I'll Go First" pack, which is designed to support and promote disabled children's active participation in their Educational and Child Care Reviews. The pack itself, is supported by a joint foreword by Charles Clarke MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Employment, and John Hutton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health.
The pack and it's supporting training and consultancy service has been widely used nationally by local authorities working together with schools and voluntary organisations, and The Children's Society has been invited to work with The Council for Disabled Children and the DFEE on the forthcoming code of practice. This workshop will explore the cultural changes which are necessary at every level of an organisation when children participate in planning and reviewing, as well as the need for practical aids such as "I'll Go First" if we are to support those working directly with disabled children.
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